(This article first appeared in the Canadian Jewish News Feb. 22, 2007)
The best-known treats for Purim are hamantaschen, the scrumptious three-cornered pastries shaped like Haman’s three-cornered hat. Everyone has a preference for a certain type of dough, either crisp cookie dough or tender yeast dough. The delectable dough encases a variety of fillings, depending on family traditions.
The best-known fillings are poppy seeds (muhn) or prunes (lekvar), which can be bought already prepared for those who are short on time. Other tasty fillings are finely ground dates or dried apricots, or thick jam or preserves. A mixture of three or four finely ground dried fruits, such as pitted prunes, dates, raisins and cranberries, along with a little lemon juice, rind and a drizzle of honey, also makes for a marvelous, tasty filling.
I love berries of all sorts, but blueberries are my absolute favorite. Blueberries are considered a “super-food” because of their health benefits. They’re packed with phytonutrients, anthocyanins and other gigantic words that are used to describe the small, but mighty blueberry. But the best thing about blueberries is their fabulous flavor and the special memories they evoke.